Renowned international composer Warren Wills presents the world premiere of his new musical Bowie & Mercury Rising at Chapel off Chapel for a limited season from 26 July 2017.
Celebrating the music and lives of iconic UK performers David Bowie and Freddie Mercury through the eyes of a London actress who searches for hope after Bowie’s death, Bowie & Mercury Rising re-imagines such classics as Heroes, Space Oddity, Life on Mars, The Show Must Go On, We are the Champions and many others.
Featuring Melbourne-based Singer/songwriter Thando Sikwila as the actress – whose journey of narrative, music and dance gives the audience insight into the life and times of two much-loved musical icons. Sikwila made her professional theatre debut in StageArt’s production of Dreamgirls in 2015. She released her debut EP Digital Love Letters in 2016 and solidified her status as Melbourne’s newest R&B star with a sell-out show at Chapel off Chapel.
Dancer Jessica Mortlake and Warren Wills feature alongside Sikwila in this new musical. Wills has worked as a musical director and composer of West End and Broadway shows over the past 30 years with credits on more than 50 productions. Winner of the Carling London Best Musical Award, Wills makes his return to Chapel off Chapel with his new musical after two sell-out seasons of his hit show, Genesis to Broadway.
Bowie’s musical director for 40 years, Mike Garson, has praised the creative flair Wills brings to his composition in Bowie & Mercury Rising. “I was very impressed with Warren’s extremely creative variations on David’s Heroes,” said Garson. “He is one very talented gentleman.”
During his many years living and working in London, Wills worked closely with Garson, Queen lead guitarist Brian May, May’s wife actor Anita Dobson and Freddie Mercury’s boyfriend actor Peter Straker. Following Bowie’s death in 2016 Wills said he felt compelled to write Bowie & Mercury Rising.
“I felt moved to present a new musical based on the stories and material,” said Wills. “It is by no means a tribute show, but rather a bravura, theatrical experience.”
Bowie & Mercury Rising
Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran
Season: 26 – 30 July 2017
Information and Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
Image: Jessica Mortlock features in Bowie & Mercury Rising (supplied)